28 Apr 2025, Mon

A Victorian Seaside Town To Tick All of Your Travel Boxes

A Victorian Seaside Town To Tick All of Your Travel Boxes


Last Updated on September 28, 2019 by Nancie

The Pier, Worthing, UK

Worthing UK: A Victorian Seaside Town to Tick All of Your Travel Boxes, contributed by Danni, who blogs at livein10countries.com is the tenth small town exposé in the series  Small Town Explorer.  You can find Danni’s bio and social media links at the end of this post.

The villages and towns we visit in our travels are often the hidden gems of a country or region. In this series readers are introduced to small centers around the globe, from travel bloggers who have experienced the location firsthand; featuring their uniqueness, their history, what to see and do, and often where to stay and where to dine.

Previous towns featured in the series:

Bourtange, Ravello, Italy, Sanzhi, Taiwan, Ollantaytambo, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Lafayette, Lousiana, Canmore, Alberta 

Let’s take a moment to celebrate the faded glam of Victorian seaside towns in the UK. Worthing is perched on the south coast of England and has all the quirky hallmarks that you’d expect. It’s a favourite for many of us to retire to and hosts a colourful pride every year. It’s much more than just Brighton’s neighbour and you’ll find that you soon warm to Worthing’s small town, seaside-y feel.

I lived in Worthing for 6 months after moving back to the UK and really enjoyed it – so here are my best recommendations! While I spend most of my time teaching Brits how to live abroad or finding the best things to do on a Belgian layover, it’s nice to show that travel doesn’t have to be all city breaks – there’s room to enjoy the little guy!
Worthing, Uk
Beachfront houses Worthing, UK

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Worthing, Uk: Where to go and explore

Start your day with a trip to the seaside! Wherever you are in this town, if you turn south and follow the seagulls downhill, you’ll soon hit the coast. There’s a pier that once hosted barrel organs and today is home to brightly coloured deckchairs and the salty breeze. Opposite you is Harry Ramsden’s famous fish and chips, an absolute must. Beside you twinkle the lights of the amusement rides.

Walk right as you look at the pier and there are long shaded stretches for walkers and joggers, beachy cafes selling artwork and an outdoor gym area where you can flex your muscles. Join the beach at its further west corner and you’ll spot a vendor with some of the best ice cream in Sussex. Sit on a rock and enjoy.

If it rains, though, make a beeline for the Dome Cinema (21-22 Marine Parade) and you’ll be charmed by what looks more than anything like a seaside tea room from the 40s, but still shows blockbusters and sells enormous buckets of popcorn. If you want to spoil yourself, they offer packages with wine and waiter service during the film.

Worthing, UK: When your tummy rumbles

All that sea air will have made you peckish, so time to pick a spot for lunch. Worthing has several high streets – West Worthing has its own, for example, – and that’s where the magic tends to be concentrated. For real street flavours and something, you can grab and eat by the beach, head to Jimmy’s Caribbean (113 Montague St). The fresh catch of the day is at Fish Factor (51 Brighton Road) and if the sun shines, their outside tables are very popular.

But then, sometimes you just need a proper burger and all the Worthing locals rave about Woods Burger Kitchen ( 55-59 Portland Rd ) for authentic burgers in a brioche bun. Finally, breeze past the Pizza Express on the high street and try the independent option instead, Fiordilatte (5-6, Stanford Square). It’s got a romantic vibe and uses only fresh dough.

Worthing, UK: The best pint in Worthing

As evening draws in, you’ll be in need of a tipple. The Corner House has a tempting back garden which is heated in winter by posh outdoor heat lamps. On weekends the bar is packed with jostling locals, so if you’re keen to make friends, this is a good place to start. Strike up a conversation and see who joins in!

For a relaxed night out The Libertine ( 46-56 Portland Rd) always gets rave reviews. It has a fabulous gin selection and furniture that perplexes almost everyone – but in a fun way!

For somewhere a bit hip by the seafront, stop off at the Cow Shed. Apparently, it really was a farm building in another life, but now it’s all secluded booths, good drinks and a tasty food menu.

Worthing, UK
Cow Shed Restaurant, Worthing, UK

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Worthing, UK: Where else to visit

Just outside the town is some of the most unique history of the area. Dating back to the iron age, the hills are ringed with ancient circles. Make time to explore the prehistoric settings at Chanctonbury Ring and the Cissbury stones for a window into those times. Stonehenge may be more famous, but every stone circle is unique!

The main shopping area is concentrated in a network of cute streets just up from the seafront. It’s a half hour walk south if you arrive by train. Along with chains, you’ll find plenty of independent and one-of-a-kind shops to tempt you.

A short drive outside of town will have you at Highdown Gardens. They’re chalk gardens set on the south downs and they really are lovely when they bloom. If nothing else, these will get you to relax and enjoy life at the seaside.

Hopefully, this has given you a flavour of what Worthing and Sussex have to offer. If you fancy an authentic day by the seaside without too many crowds, I think there’s nowhere better!

Have you visited Worthing, UK? Let us know in the comments. 

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. 

Bio: 

Danni is a traveller on a mission to live in 10 countries before she pops her clogs, sharing all the juiciest travel scoops from each country. Follow along with the journey on Twitter.



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